Indus Chronicles

Sanjay Gupta, known for his stylish and gritty films, spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about the box office scenario at present, his memories of working on his first film Aatish and a lot more.

How has 2024 been from a box-office point of view? Do you think we are at a better stage as compared to 2022 and 2023? Not really. Even though mid-sized and low-budget films have worked off late, it’s not a good sign. Munjya, Laapataa Ladies and Article 370 succeeded but when you are talking to a studio – only one or two are still left – they are not ready to back a small film. They want the safety of stars. So, even though these films are working, nobody is ready to make them. Hence, we are living in complicated times.

Why do you say ‘complicated times’? Take the instance of Ajay Devgn. His film Shaitaan worked but Maidaan bombed. Both were released a month apart. The surety of stardom is definitely eroded. Maidaan was a story one had seen before. Shaitaan, on the other hand, had a story that one had not seen before. Bade Miyan Chote Miyan completely tanked because one had seen it before. The content that we make now has to be something that one has not seen before. The audience is definitely looking for something new. There’s, after all, so much to consume. The biggest challenge to the film industry is screen time. We are constantly on our phones today. So, the need to be entertained is diminished.

Moreover, if word of mouth is not there today, the film is not going to work. Earlier, star-driven films did not require word of mouth. People came for the stars. Now, they don’t come for the stars. Shah Rukh Khan delivered two Rs. 500 crore films in the form of Pathaan and Jawan. Then his next film, Dunki, collected Rs. 250 crores.

Whichever films have worked at the box office post-pandemic, be it the ones down South or Bollywood, like Gangubai Kathiawadi, RRR, Jawan etc., in these films, one can see hard work in every shot and frame. The directors have not slacked and have given it all. That is what connected with the audience. They have noticed it as they are way smarter than us. We, filmmakers, are nowhere!

I am dying to get back to my set for my next film. And I am telling writers to make it tougher for me to shoot it and to ingest a whole new style and look into it. The moral of the story is that we have to work really hard.

There’s also a perception that people are bored of watching slick action films and that Bollywood should return to raw, hand-to-hand action, as seen in Gadar 2 and Animal… Yes, you are right. The next film I am directing, it is in the search-and-rescue mission space, more on the zone of Extraction (2020). We have already incorporated a lot of crazy action into the script. And the IMAX theatres we have today and even in general theatres, the sound and the projection are quite powerful. It is stupid enough not to make the most of it, be it with background score, sound design, action etc. Now is the time to innovate. Woh zamana gaya jab hum Gaiety-Galaxymein baith ke stereo ya mono mein film dekhte the. Today, every second theatre is equipped with Dolby Atmos.

Your first film, Aatish (1994), which completed 30 years on June 17, was a multi-starrer. It’s rare for a filmmaker to cast such big names in his first film…

And the fact that I was hardly 22 years old at that time (smiles)!

How did you handle so many actors? Did you feel the pressure? Not at all. I never considered stars to be larger-than-life. They are just actors. I am just a director who is directing it. The only time I was in a lot of awe was when I directed Mr Bachchan in Kaante (2002), that too just for the first scene. That awe was there only until we filmed the first shot. After that, all the ice was broken. I am just blessed that I’ll live to tell my grandchildren that I work with Amitabh Bachchan!

As per IMDB trivia, Shah Rukh Khan was the original choice for Aditya Pancholi’s role. Is that true? Not at all. Shah Rukh and I started together, in the same office of Sippy Films. As a matter of fact, I introduced Shah Rukh Khan to Viveck Vaswani, who then produced Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992) along with Sippy Films. So, I have known Shah Rukh way before he was signed by any producer. It is just fate that I have never approached him with any film as my loyalty was always with Mr Dutt.

In Marjaavaan (2019), it seems like Milap Zaveri paid a homage to Aatish. The scene where Shaad Randhawa loses his leg is similar to the scene in your film where Aditya Pancholi’s leg gets cut. Did you know about it?

Yes, he told me that he’s paying homage to me and my film. I have not seen the film yet but I heard about it.

Your wife Anuradha Gupta just won the Mrs World International 2024. How do you feel? I am very proud of her. One day, she told me that she had entered the competition. I told her to go for it. I was very calm about it. And we went to Delhi for the competition where she won. My kids are sensible enough now – one is 11 and the other is 13. They saw their mother walk the ramp and win the crown. It was a very proud moment for all of us.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Gupta shares an update on his film with Sanjay Dutt: “We have worked out the script and now, we are working out the logistics”

While fans are eagerly awaiting to see Farhan Akhtar collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan for the third time in the Don franchise, some were a tad bit disappointed that they will have to wait more for this reunion. While Don 3 is already in works, SRK has decided to not be a part of it. However, Farhan has asserted that fans need not be disappointed as he has dropped a major hint indicating that he would be working with Badshah in the future.

Farhan Akhtar reacts to his reunion with Shah Rukh Khan

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Farhan seems to have raised the hopes of fans who were not happy about Shah Rukh Khan quitting the Don franchise. Agreeing that a collaboration is definitely on the cards, Akhtar said, “Yeah, absolutely yeah. We’ll find something that we want to work on together, and I’m sure we will.” He continued, “You just have to find something that you can connect on with somebody,” and assured fans by adding, “100 percent.”

Farhan Akhtar’s upcoming films

Farhan Akhtar recently celebrated 20 years of his second directorial Lakshya starring Hrithik Roshan. The filmmaker-actor, who dons multiple roles with ease, is said to have started work on the ambitious Don 3 as the expectations are riding high on the movie. With Ranveer Singh donning this hat for the first time, and with Kiara Advani being roped in as the leading lady, this will also mark their first collaboration on screen.

Besides this, Farhan Akhtar also has the highly anticipated Jee Le Zaraa. Although the film was announced three years ago in 2021, the film’s schedule has been pushed multiple times. Featuring a female-led cast of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif, it is expected to be a road-trip drama but due to dates co-ordination, the film has not yet been able to take off.

Also Read: Mirzapur Season 3 trailer launch: “Whenever I go, people only ask me ‘Don 3 kabhi aayegi aur Mirzapur 3 kabhi aayegi?!” – Farhan Akhtar

Sanjay Gupta and Sanjay Dutt go back a long way and have worked in several films together. It’s been 17 years since they last collaborated and their fans are eagerly waiting for their next. In 2022, there were reports that their collaboration is finally happening and after that, there has been no update. Bollywood Hungama recently spoke with Sanjay Gupta and asked him about this much-awaited venture.

When asked about reports that he and Sanjay Dutt were planning a film, Sanjay Gupta replied, “We are still planning a film together! As a matter of fact, his manager just came to meet me. We have worked out the script and now, we are working out the logistics.”

Does he recall his first meeting with Sanjay Gupta? The filmmaker, known for his styling and gritty films, answered, “It must have been 35-40 years ago. I was an assistant director and I met him for the first time on location. Later, we shot for a film called Thanedaar (1990) in Kodaikanal. It was during this outdoor schedule that we hit it out and we became friends.”

Sanjay Dutt featured in Sanjay Gupta's directorial debut, Aatish (1994), which completed 30 years on June 17. This was followed by Khauff (2000), Jung (2000), Kaante (2002), Musafir (2004), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007) and the unfinished film, Alibaug. Sanjay Dutt also worked in his productions like Plan (2004) and Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007). This means that both have worked in as many as 9 films.

In a 2022 interview with Bombay Times, Sanjay Dutt confessed, “In many ways, we grew up together, holding each other’s hands. I know Gups well and I know what he wants from me. Beech mein, main behak gaya tha. I wasn’t taking care of myself and I didn’t want to work with him at a time when I was not at my best. The reason I hit the gym is that I started preparing myself to work with him again. I am getting back to my home turf very soon.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Gupta reveals he is contemplating setting Shootout 3 out of Mumbai: “Earlier Shootout films were hits and yet, 60% of their revenue came from Maharashtra. Someone residing in Amritsar or Bathinda, usko kya malum Lokhandwala ya Wadala kya hai?”

At just 20, Yuvraj Menda is juggling his studies abroad while navigating his budding acting career. Following his debut in The Archies, Menda is enthusiastic about his future in the industry.

Embracing Pride Month

When asked about his experience as an openly gay actor during Pride Month, Menda shares, "Life has been great. I am auditioning, so hopefully, I will be acting more. Luckily, I got to work with Zoya Akhtar, and it was as normal an experience as it would be for anyone. And that’s how it should be, that’s what the community wants the world to strive towards."

Coming out and support system

Menda came out to his family and friends when he was around 13 or 14. He attributed his ability to be open about his sexuality to their support. "I told my friends first, then I told my family. Touchwood, I attribute my ability to be candid about my sexuality to them," he adds.

Impact on career opportunities

Regarding whether his sexuality has been a barrier in his career, Menda quips, "I can only speak for myself. I haven’t felt like it has been a hindrance. Luckily, I haven’t come across people who view it as that. I am grateful we are at a stage where we don’t see it as that."

Balancing studies and acting

Despite the demands of his acting career, Menda prioritizes his education. "If I have to give a certain audition, I can do that sitting in university as well. My friends help me with dialogues and scenes," he concludes.

Also Read: Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest Day 2 EXCLUSIVE: Yuvraj Menda on ‘Sunoh’ from The Archies, “I was shocked on how accurate the song is to the world of The Archies”

While neither the Sinha family nor the Ratansi family are ready to reveal details of the impending wedding ceremony of Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal this week, there have been several reports which are doing the rounds about them. Amid details of the same that are going viral, some reports suggested that the Sinha family is not happy about Sonakshi’s decision and will not be a part of the nuptials. However, denying any such claims, Shatrughan Sinha has lashed out at these reports asserting that he is his daughter’s ‘armour’ and will always support her.

Shatrughan Sinha asserts that he will be a part of the wedding

In an interview with Zoom, he addressed ongoing rumours about him not attending her wedding wherein he said, “I will be there at the wedding, certainly. Why shouldn't I and why won't I?" and went on to state, “Sonakshi and Zaheer have to live life together. They look very nice together.”

He continued to assert that he will always support her as he added, "Tell me, whose life is it anyway? It's just the life of my only daughter Sonakshi, whom I am very proud of and immensely fond of. She calls me the pillar of her strength. The very fact that I have still been in Mumbai conveys that I am here not only as her pillar of strength but as her real kavach (armour) as well. Her happiness is my happiness and vice versa. She has every right to choose her partner and the other details of her wedding.”

Shatrughan Sinha says ‘Khamosh’ to people spreading rumours

Furthermore, he condemned the gossip-mongers spreading these rumours and shared, “Those who are coming out with fake news are just sounding very frustrated with this joyous occasion as they are spreading nothing but lies. I would like to caution them with my signature dialogue: Khamosh, it's none of your business. Mind only your business."

About the wedding

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are expected to tie the knot on June 23 in a court wedding, followed by a lavish bash in the evening, which will be hosted by the newlyweds at the plush restaurant Bastian in Mumbai. The bash is expected to be a private affair with family members and close friends in attendance.

Also Read: Pahlaj Nihalani on whether Shatrughan Sinha and family would attend Sonakshi’s wedding, “Of course, why shouldn’t they?”

Apart from the fact that fans were excited to see Deepika Padukone handle her pregnancy with grace as she attended the recent Kalki 2898 AD event in Mumbai along with the team, they are also thrilled to witness the adorable off-screen camaraderie she shared with co-star Prabhas. While the event gave us a glimpse of the rapport that the stars shared with each other on the sets of the Nag Ashwin directorial, Deepika went a step ahead to talk about Prabhas’ generous nature and how he loves to feed everyone.

In a video shared by the portal Gulte on social media, the actors were having a conversation with host Rana Daggubati, wherein Deepika Padukone joked that her bump was because of the amount of food Prabhas fed her. “Actually I am like this because of all the food he has fed me,” said Deepika as she left Prabhas in splits. When Rana further questioned wondering if they got great food on the sets of Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika replied, “Courtesy Prabhas - every day”. She added, “It got to a point where it wasn't just food coming from home but there was a catering service. The highlight of the day almost became what is Prabhas feeding everyone. Those who know him very well know that 'he feeds from the heart'.”

#DeepikaPadukone - I'm like this because of all the food he's fed me! It got to a point, it wasn't just food coming from home, there was like full catering service! #Prabhas #Kalki2898AD pic.twitter.com/epeAEsJSFz

— Gulte (@GulteOfficial) June 19, 2024

Deepika Padukone’s character in Kalki

Deepika Padukone will be collaborating for the first time with Prabhas for this sci-fi drama which boasts of an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic dystopian era, the film is inspired by Indian mythology and revolves around the arrival of the tenth avatar of Vishnu which is Kalki. The actress plays a pregnant woman who is on the run to protect her child with Prabhas as the bounty hunter Bhairava.

About Kalki 2898 AD

Directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, this multilingual, mythology-inspired sci-fi spectacle set in the future hits the screens on June 27 in multiple languages including Hindi.

Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD Mumbai event: Deepika Padukone jokes “We should be CELEBRATING that Prabhas said more than two sentences”; Prabhas calls Amitabh Bachchan the first PAN-INDIA star

Shraddha Kapoor, who has been busy with her work, recently came into news for her personal life as rumours were rife about her dating writer Rahul Mody. What further added fuel to the fire was the presence of the duo at the famous Ambani – Merchant pre-wedding function in Jamnagar. Now, on June 18, the actress took to Instagram to confirm their relationship leaving her fans excited.

Shraddha Kapoor dedicated a sweet post to her man Rahul Mody

Although neither Shraddha Kapoor nor Rahul Mody denied their relationship, the actress decided to make it official on social media with a cute post. She shared a photo of her twinning with her bae in white and posted a cheesy albeit adorable caption saying, “Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar (You keep the heart. At least return my sleep) @modyrahulmody”. While fans expressed their excitement about the actress entering a new phase in her life, many fan clubs also reposted the same on their respective social media page.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by ♡ (@shraddha_thelove)

Shraddha and Rahul want to keep their relationship private

A source was quoted saying to Hindustan Times that even though the actors are not afraid of dedicating such posts, they would continue to retain their privacy. “They are not afraid to be photographed with each other, but that doesn’t mean they will make their relationship official anytime soon. They are both private people, and want to keep their relationship out of the limelight. They are not afraid to be photographed with each other, but that doesn’t mean they will make their relationship official anytime soon. They are both private people, and want to keep their relationship out of the limelight,” the source said.

In March this year, Shraddha Kapoor took to the social media platform to share a series of photos in her PJs but the photos garnered attention because of a particular locket she was wearing which read ‘R’. Many fans speculated that the actress was hinting at her relationship with Rahul Mody in these photos. Despite all these rumours, it is yet to be seen if there will be wedding bells ringing anytime soon!

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor surprises fans with the first look and teaser of Stree 2, watch

Shraddha Kapoor, who has been busy with her work, recently came into news for her personal life as rumours were rife about her dating writer Rahul Mody. What further added fuel to the fire was the presence of the duo at the famous Ambani – Merchant pre-wedding function in Jamnagar. Now, on June 18, the actress took to Instagram to confirm their relationship leaving her fans excited.

Shraddha Kapoor dedicated a sweet post to her man Rahul Mody

Although neither Shraddha Kapoor nor Rahul Mody denied their relationship, the actress decided to make it official on social media with a cute post. She shared a photo of her twinning with her bae in white and posted a cheesy albeit adorable caption saying, “Dil rakh le, Neend toh vaapis de de yaar (You keep the heart. At least return my sleep) @modyrahulmody”. While fans expressed their excitement about the actress entering a new phase in her life, many fan clubs also reposted the same on their respective social media page.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by ♡ (@shraddha_thelove)

Shraddha and Rahul want to keep their relationship private

A source was quoted saying to Hindustan Times that even though the actors are not afraid of dedicating such posts, they would continue to retain their privacy. “They are not afraid to be photographed with each other, but that doesn’t mean they will make their relationship official anytime soon. They are both private people, and want to keep their relationship out of the limelight. They are not afraid to be photographed with each other, but that doesn’t mean they will make their relationship official anytime soon. They are both private people, and want to keep their relationship out of the limelight,” the source said.

In March this year, Shraddha Kapoor took to the social media platform to share a series of photos in her PJs but the photos garnered attention because of a particular locket she was wearing which read ‘R’. Many fans speculated that the actress was hinting at her relationship with Rahul Mody in these photos. Despite all these rumours, it is yet to be seen if there will be wedding bells ringing anytime soon!

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor surprises fans with the first look and teaser of Stree 2, watch

Anil Kapoor was in a great mood at the press conference of Bigg Boss OTT 3 and entertained journalists with his replies and antics. As expected, the veteran star was compared with superstar Salman Khan who has been the face of Bigg Boss and the host of several of its seasons for many years. At the very beginning, Anil Kapoor made it clear as he said, “Salman ko koi replace nahin kar sakta.” Later, he once again talked about Salman.

During the question and answer round with the media, Anil Kapoor was asked whether he asked for tips from Salman Khan. Anil replied, “Main sunta hoon sabki par karta hoon apni. I listen to everybody but I do what I feel is right.”

He continued, “But Salman Khan was more than happy than I was when I informed him that I am doing Bigg Boss OTT. He was quite excited for me. He told me, ‘Dekh, sabko sambhalna. Koi nahin sambhlega toh tu theek kar dena. Waise bhi tu mere se young lagta hai! Aur agar kuch gadbad ho gayi, toh mujhe bol dena. Hum dono milkar theek kar denge!”

Sometime later, the anchor of the evening, Munawar Faruqui, told the media that only one question would be entertained. Anil Kapoor, however, loved the questions by the media and encouraged them to ask more. He remarked, “Abhi toh garam ho raha hai yeh press conference. Pehle toh scripted chal raha tha. Abhi toh unscripted hai. Aur jo unscripted mein maza hai, woh scripted mein nahin hai!” The audience broke into applause as Anil added, “Aaj jo puchna hai, puchiye mujhse! I’ll decide when the last question will be asked. Host hoon main.”

One more journalist also asked about Salman. When Anil asked her to introduce herself, she replied that her name was Upma. At this, Anil excitedly stated, “I love upma. It’s a snack that is sold at reasonable prices. (During my struggling days), I used to have idli, dosa and if I had more money, I would eat upma.” He then replied to her question, “I said at the very start that he’s irreplaceable. So am I (smiles)!”

Finally, a journalist asked Anil whether he was scared of being trolled, especially by Salman Khan. Anil said, “Kar do (troll). Kya fark padta hai?”

He emphasized, “Trolling is a part of life now. It’s a part of social media. You have to face it. I have taken risks and done unconventional work. I have worked with some of the biggest artists in the world. Imagine the pressure on me. But I worked dedicatedly and with full honesty. Thankfully, most of them got a positive response. Some of them didn’t work. But I moved on. Aise hi nahin baitha hoon yahaan 45 saal se. Kuch toh theek kiya hai maine!”

Also Read: Anil Kapoor BREAKS SILENCE on being replaced in No Entry 2 and Welcome 3: “What is the reason I don’t know”

The youthful entertainer, Ishq Vishk Rebound, is all set to release this week and its makers completed its Censor process in advance. It received the censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) way back on June 10. The CBFC passed the rom-com with a U/A certificate with two modifications.

Firstly, the Examining Committee of the CBFC asked the makers to blur the middle finger visuals. Secondly, a disclaimer on alcohol consumption was displayed at the bottom of the screen in all liquor-related scenes.

Interestingly, the length of Ishq Vishk Rebound, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 106 minutes. In other words, its run time is just 1 hour 46 minutes long. This makes it the shortest significant Hindi film in a long time.

There have been some films in recent times that had a duration of or less than 110 minutes like Raksha Bandhan (2022; 110 minutes), Dhokha - Round D Corner (2022; 108 minutes), Kuttey (2023; 108 minutes) etc. Zwigato (2023) was one minute less, with a run time of 105 minutes. But it had a small release. As per records, the last film that had a major release and was shorter than Ishq Vishk Rebound was the Sunny Singh-starrer Jai Mummy Di (2020). It was released in around 750-800 screens and was 103 minutes long.

A multiplex official remarked, “It’s common for Hollywood films to be 1 hour 40 or 50 minutes long. But we were pleasantly surprised to learn about its run time. It’s rare for a Hindi film to be this short. Now, we can accommodate 6 or even 7 shows of Ishq Vishk Rebound in a screen per day, if required.”

Ishq Vishk Rebound stars Rohit Saraf, Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan and Naila Grrewal. Backed by Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Films, it is directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari. It will be released on June 21.

Also Read: Ishq Vishk Rebound song ‘Gore Gore Mukhde Pe’ out: Badshah re-writes Udit Narayan’s iconic track

Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein, which gained a loyal audience over the years because of its intriguing and engaging plot, is all set to incorporate news twists and turns in the life of Savi Chavan. The high-octane drama starring Bhavika Sharma as Virat and Sai’s daughter Savi, also stars Shakti Arora as her ex-husband Ishaan Bhosale and Sumit Singh as the latter’s fiancé Reeva Marathe. While viewers have started to adore the chemistry of Ishaan and Savi with time, it is going to be short-lived since the former is expected to exit the show soon. However, we hear that Sharma will be continue to be a part of it.

Recently, Bhavika Sharma expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the love she received for the Star Plus Show. She shared, "I am grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to essay the role of Savi in the Star Plus show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein. Savi is a strong-headed and independent woman; she has her own thinking and voices her opinions. This one year of portraying Savi has been one-of-a-kind, and with each new day comes new learning. While portraying Savi, I have given heart and soul, and the fans have resonated with Savi. The reunion and reconciliation are a gift for all the Ishvi fans. I am thankful and grateful for Ishvi fans who have showered with love, appreciation, and applause."

What is the current plot of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin

The track revolves around Ishaan, Savi, Reeva, and Bhanvar Patil. The makers of the show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein recently dropped a captivating glimpse in which viewers were treated to Ishaan and Savi's reconciliation and their decision to get married. Here comes the twist as a tragedy befalls Ishaan and Savi, making the fans speculate about what will happen next. With the reunion of Ishvi, this is going to be a visual delight for the Ishaan and Savi fans, as they have finally reconciled, and Ishaan and Savi's wedding is definitely going to be the much-awaited wedding and reunion.

Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein, produced by Rajesh Ram Singh, Piya Bajpiee, Pradeep Kumar, and Shaika Parween, airs at 8 PM on StarPlus.

Also Read: Karanvir Bohra gets injured while filming a fight sequence for the show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin

Although they have not termed it as a ‘bachelor’ party in their posts, both Zaheer Iqbal and Sonakshi Sinha were seen partying with their respective squads on Monday, ahead of their wedding. Reports have suggested that the couple will be tying the knot this week and after hanging out Zaheer’s family on Sunday, Sona was seen partying with Huma Qureshi and her other close friends whereas Zaheer too was seen chilling with his boy gang.

About the bachelors and bachelorette

Zaheer Iqbal took to social media to share photos with her boy gang where the boys appeared in casual clothing, chilling, partying, and enjoying each other’s company before Zaheer takes the plunge. While the first photo was a selfie which was on his Instagram story, the second photo captured a glimpse of the fun the boys had with the caption, “Let’s Go!!! Brothers”.

Meanwhile, his girlfriend and soon wife-to-be Sonakshi Sinha went all out for her party with her squad. It was a glamorous one with the actress sporting a beautiful but short black shimmery dress and going by the photos, it seems that black-and-golden was the theme of the décor as well. Sona shared several photos from the bash including a photo with the date tag ‘17-06-2024’.

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal will be tying the knot on June 23

In fact, the invitation for their wedding found its way on reddit and ever since then, it is going viral on platforms. The invite also features an audio clip where Zaheer and Sonakshi confessed to be in a relationship for seven years and are now making it official with the wedding. As for the details, we hear that the couple will not be hosting a quintessential ceremony but will be hosting a bash for all family members and close friends at the plush Bastian in Mumbai which will kick off around 8:30 pm on June 23.

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha spends time with Zaheer Iqbal and his family amid marriage rumours

From wedding invitations to the guest list, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal tying the knot has become the talk of the town! The couple, who have been in a relationship for over half a decade, are expected to get married this month and the preparations, we hear, are on full swing. As Bollywood celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16, among them was Sonakshi who is expected to have also spent time with Zaheer and his family.

While Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have never opened up about their relationship in public or have shared the news about their wedding, the recent photo which found its way on social media has added fuel to the fire. Zaheer’s sister Sanam Ratansi took to the platform to share a frame-worthy family photo. For the unversed, Sanam is a costume designer who also worked with Sonakshi recently for her much talked about web-series Heeramandi. Speaking of Zaheer’s family, his father Iqbal Ratansi is a popular jewellery designer whereas his mother is a homemaker. Zaheer also has a younger brother who is an engineer.

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding details

Sonakshi and Zaheer are expected to tie the knot at the plush Bastian, a restaurant chain co-owned by Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty, in Mumbai on June 23 at 8:30 pm. The event is expected to be an extremely private affair with family and close friends in attendance. A wedding invite feature the two actors on a magazine cover along with a audio note found its way online which is expected to be their official invitation for the function.

Their career

While Zaheer Iqbal kicked off his debut with the film Notebook in 2019 and went on to do Double XL with Sonakshi Sinha in 2022 and later also collaborated with her for the song ‘Blockbuster’, Sonakshi recently tasted extensive success with her web-series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, on Netflix. The actress also has other projects like a horror film Kakuda and fantasy drama Nikita Roy and The Book of Darkness in the pipeline.

Also Read: Poonam Dhillon confirms Sonakshi Sinha-Zaheer Iqbal’s wedding; says, “She has sent a lovely invitation”

Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash, who received much love on Bigg Boss, have been dealing with breakup rumours for a long time. While reports of them parting ways started doing the rounds yet again recently, the Kitni Mohabbat Hai actor remained conspicuous when he did not share a birthday post for his lady love, adding fuel to the fire. However, he decided to put an end to the same on Sunday, when took to social media to reveal about their recent vacation.

On June 16, Karan Kundrra took to Instagram to share vacation photos and videos with Tejasswi Prakash and we must say that the couple does look much in love! Sharing snaps along with a picturesque view, although the duo refrained from revealing details of their getaway, Karan shared a sweet note in the caption which is a Punjabi verse. “vassdi tu rahe.. hassdi tu ravein.. sannu rokkan vaala kehda ni? Rabb varga aasra tera ni.. raahe raahe jaan waaliye..! Interestingly, Tejasswi also responded him with a Punjabi verse and added, “Mai Tere sar uthe be java ni Mai Tera khoon pi java ni Rahe rahe jaan waliye”.

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Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash talk about breakup rumours

While this is not the first time where the rumours of the couple breaking up have found its way in reports, both Karan and Tejasswi, on many occasions, have asserted fans about the relationship status. “As a couple we have jobs, and some people don’t. It doesn’t affect me, because we are sitting together and people are saying we broke up, or she got married to someone else. Some people are just too free,” Karan had said in an interview with News18 Showsha. Tejasswi too had explained in a Times Now report about her refraining from talking about her relationship wherein she had stated, “I am in love. I am a little superstitious. I feel the more I talk about it, the more people tend to take the jinx off the beautiful things in your life.”

Karan and Tejasswi’s story

Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash met on the sets of Bigg Boss and the couple garnered ample love from audiences who continue to fondly refer to them as ‘TejRan’. While reports of their marriage have been doing the rounds as well, the couple have maintained that they are happy in this space and would want to focus on their careers.

Also Read: Karan Kundrra opens up about his wedding plans with bae Tejasswi Prakash; says, “Waqt badalte der nahi lagta”

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is digging deep into gambling, and money laundering, amid Bollywood glamour. Their investigation centers on a Mumbai-based event management firm suspected of recruiting celebrities to promote the Fairplay betting app, a subsidiary of the controversial Mahadev betting app. Big names like Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, and rapper Badshah have come under scrutiny for their alleged involvement. The ED has already recorded statements from Badshah and the managers of Dutt and Fernandez.

As reported by Times Now, this investigation stems from a complaint filed by Viacom18 Media Pvt. Limited, which triggered an FIR by the Maharashtra Cyber Police in Mumbai. Before raiding the event management firm, the ED reportedly obtained a statement from a key individual there. The raids yielded a treasure trove of documents, including contracts with celebrities to promote Fairplay, details on payment methods and transactions, and other crucial company information. Reports suggest Fernandez may have received a hefty sum from a Dubai-based entity, Trim General Trading LLC, for endorsing the app.

The report further states that Badshah's alleged involvement points towards a Melbourne-based company, Lyukos Group FZF. Documents provided by the rapper to authorities reveal Lyukos Group partnered with two Mumbai talent management firms to promote the betting app. Dutt, on the other hand, is suspected of receiving Rs. 25 lakhs from a Singaporean gaming company to promote the app on social media.

The ED is examining all seized documents and the statements from Badshah and the managers. These statements were forwarded by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell for further investigation.

This isn't the first time Bollywood has brushed shoulders with the Mahadev app controversy. Last year, celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Kapil Sharma were questioned by the ED regarding their connections to the app. ALSO READ: Badshah HEARTBROKEN after Dallas concert cut short due to production issues: “This isn't fair to the fans who spend their hard-earned money to purchase that ticket”

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is back in action after welcoming his baby girl with his wife Natasha Dalal. The actor, whose upcoming film Baby John has generated immense anticipation, recently shared a glimpse behind the scenes of the production.

Taking to his social media, Dhawan offered fans a tour of the sets through a video captioned, “Baby John, Day 83.” The video highlights the film's grand scale, revealing that four separate units are working collaboratively to bring the project to life. Dhawan is seen interacting with technicians, expressing his surprise at the extensive effort involved.

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Baby John marks the Hindi debut of Keerthy Suresh. Joining Dhawan and Suresh is a supporting cast that includes veteran actors Jackie Shroff and Rajpal Yadav. The soundtrack for Baby John is composed by the acclaimed S. Thaman.

Atlee Kumar serves as co-producer alongside Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee, and Jyoti Deshpande. Jio Studios presents the film in association with A for Apple Studios and Cine1 Studios. Wamiqa Gabbi also features alongside Dhawan and Suresh, rounding out the film's central cast. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut’s brother Varun gets engaged; actress shares glimpses: “Le bhai tera bhi ho gaya kaam”

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is currently juggling motherhood, filming, and social media like a boss. While in Australia filming her upcoming movie The Bluff, the actress took a moment to celebrate her mother, Madhu Chopra's birthday, with a heartfelt message and unseen photos.

Sharing a series of pictures on Instagram, Priyanka showered her mom with love, calling her “the most magical woman I have ever known.” The photos included adorable moments with baby Malti Marie. She wrote, “Happiest birthday to the most magical woman I have ever known. thank you for sharing your grace with us. Thank you for helping us become the best versions of ourselves, our matriarch, our leader, my mother, happy birthday @drmadhuakhourichopra.”

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This sweet social media post isn't the only glimpse Priyanka has offered fans into her life in Australia. Recently, she shared a story of Malti playing with her grandmother, Madhu. While Priyanka is dedicated to her work, she prioritizes quality time with her daughter. From taking Malti to the set to enjoying beach outings, the mother-daughter duo seems to be making the most of their Australian adventure.

Priyanka's current project, The Bluff, is set in the 19th-century Caribbean. Directed by Frank E. Flowers, the film features Priyanka as a former female pirate. Produced by the Russo Brothers' AGBO Studios and Amazon MGM Studios, the movie is sure to be an exciting addition to Priyanka's filmography.

Priyanka also has the action-comedy Heads of State lined up. In this star-studded project, she'll be sharing the screen with Idris Elba, John Cena, and Jack Quaid. ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra enjoys her Sunday at the beach with daughter Malti Marie, watch

Saba Azad, known for her work as an actor, singer, and voice-over artist, has spoken about the impact of her relationship with actor Hrithik Roshan on her career. Azad revealed a significant decline in voice-over opportunities in a series of Instagram stories since the relationship became public.

Saba Azad on losing opportunities due to misconceptions Azad expressed frustration over the misconception that her personal life has affected her professional aspirations. She shared a story detailing a conversation with a director who implied she wouldn't be interested in voice-over work anymore due to her relationship with Roshan. This assumption stood in stark contrast to her previous experience, where she regularly received voice-over opportunities. Saba Azad expresses frustration at underlying bias Azad highlighted the outdated and unfair mindset behind the director's perception. She questioned the assumption that a woman in a relationship no longer needs to work or pursue her career. She elaborated on the importance of individuality within relationships, stating that strong partners maintain their autonomy. Saba Azad speaks about her passion for voice-over projects Despite the challenges, Azad reiterated her passion for voice-over work. She expressed her desire for future opportunities and urged the industry to move beyond such biases. In her words, "undo your assumptions and let's get recording already."

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap ropes in Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra for hard-hitting thriller; Malayalam actor Joju George and Saba Azad join the cast: Report

Actor Amol Parashar has recently been linked to Konkona Sen Sharma, his co-star from the film Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare. While the actors haven't addressed the rumors directly, Amol did recently open up about his general approach to relationships and public disclosure.

Amol Parashar on keeping his relationship private In an interview with ETimes, the actor discussed his reasons for keeping his relationship status private. He stated, "There's nothing stopping me... I have found no good reason to put it out there." He highlighted the value of privacy in relationships, suggesting it fosters a sense of "sanctity" and authenticity. “What will I get out of it?” asks Amol Parashar The Tripling actor further expressed a preference for letting his work speak for him. "What will I get out of it [publicity]?" he questioned. He acknowledged the potential for public pronouncements to be used for promotional purposes. He stated, "I want people to talk about my work... When I put my feelings and vulnerabilities out there, that's also through my work." Amol Parashar speaks on transparency without public display Despite valuing privacy, the Sardar Udham actor clarified that he isn't hiding his relationship. He stated, "We are not hiding from people. We go to parties and all of that and people know." He simply doesn't see the need for a public announcement in the media. Amol Parashar CONFIRMS he is in a serious relationship Parashar did confirm he is currently in a serious relationship. He described it as "good and serious," adding, "This is my longest relationship so far. We went through the lockdown and everything."

Also Read: Amol Parashar reunites with Rocket Singh co-star Ranbir Kapoor; see pic